Devices and Methods for Power Transmission Level Indication

ABSTRACT

Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to a wireless communications device comprising a wireless power transmission detector and a wireless power transmission indicator for displaying to a user the current level of wireless power transmission. A voltmeter and ammeter take readings from the wireless transceiver circuit while the wireless communications device is on. A power logic stored on a memory within the wireless communications device converts the readings into a wireless power transmission level. The wireless power transmission level is output to an indicator on the wireless communications device where a user can view it. Exemplary embodiments include a true battery life indicator on the wireless communications device. The true battery life indicator gives an amount of time a battery powering the wireless communications device will last at the current wireless power transmission level.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/332,245, entitled “Devices and Methods for PowerTransmission Level Indication,” filed Dec. 10, 2008, now allowed, whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to wireless power transmission indication.More specifically the present invention relates to wireless powertransmission indication in wireless communication devices.

2. Background of the Invention

Cellular telephones are tremendously popular. It is estimated that atthe end of 2007 the total worldwide subscriber rate reached 3.3 billion.Close to 80% of the world's population enjoys mobile telephone coverage,a figure that will only increase. As cellular telephones gainpopularity, their functionality has increased also. Standard serviceincludes voice calling, caller ID, call waiting, and voice mail. Serviceproviders also offer text messaging, push mail, navigation, and even ahigh-speed internet connection directly to telephones. Cellular phonesfrequently have cameras, with the resolution capabilities increasingwith each new model. These cameras allow users to take pictures andvideos.

Most cellular telephone models have at least two indicators on them. Oneof these indicators displays the amount of battery life, while the otherindicator displays the amount of signal strength the cellular telephoneis currently receiving. The battery life indicator shows an estimate ofthe amount of energy the battery contains. The battery life indicatorcan be a little confusing though, because cellular telephones do notconstantly use the same amount of power. In fact, the power consumptiongreatly increases during a voice transmission than when at rest. Thesignal strength indicator displays an estimate of the quality of thesignal the cellular telephone is currently receiving.

The power consumption by a cellular telephone increases during a voicetransmission because the Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver goes from arest state to a high-powered transmission level. The power transmissionlevel varies during a voice transmission depending on the distance ofthe cellular telephone from the nearest cellular tower and the amount ofenvironmental noise in between. “Environmental noise” refers tointerference by electromagnetic waves, electronic devices, buildings,walls, etc. The quality of the voice transmission is measured by thecellular tower as well as most cellular telephones.

At the beginning of a voice transmission, the power transmission levelis usually high, if not the highest. This ensures that the voicetransmission will be clear at the beginning The cellular tower measuresthe quality of the voice transmission and determines whether or not thepower transmission level is too high. Since the power transmission levelstarts very high, if not the highest, it can usually be lowered to someextent. If this is the case, the cellular tower sends a message to thecellular telephone to lower the power transmission level within a fewseconds after the voice transmission is initiated. Because theenvironment is constantly changing, the quality of the voicetransmission is constantly monitored. If at any point it is determinedthat the voice quality is too low, then the cellular tower sends amessage to the cellular telephone to raise the power transmission level.

The power transmission level has a direct relationship with the powerconsumption of the cellular telephone. Currently, there are fifteendifferent power transmission levels that network operators use. Mostcellular telephone manufacturers give approximate battery life in termsof standby time and talk time. The talk time is usually a measure of howlong the battery lasts at the highest power transmission level. Inreality, the power transmission level can be lower than the highestpower transmission level. This makes it hard for users to estimate howmuch talk time they have left.

A higher power transmission level also creates more electromagneticradiation. Many people feel that they should closely monitor the amountof electromagnetic radiation they receive, especially around their head.Although studies on electromagnetic radiation from cellular telephoneshave been inconclusive so far, radiation in general has been linked tocancer. It may be many years before we know for sure what the effectsare, but in the meantime, some people prefer to avoid exposure toradiation as a precaution.

What is needed in the art is a cellular telephone that indicates theinstant power transmission level. With this knowledge cellular telephoneusers can more accurately estimate how much battery they are actuallyusing. Users with low battery can determine whether or not to take acall based on the power transmission level. Users also can avoid voicecalls that insist on using a high power transmission level whilefavoring voice calls that can use a lower power transmission level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a wireless communications device comprising awireless power transmission detector and a wireless power transmissionindicator for displaying to a user the current level of wireless powertransmission. Exemplary embodiments include a voltmeter and an ammeterwithin the wireless communications device. The voltmeter and ammetertake readings from the wireless transceiver circuit while the wirelesscommunications device is on. A power logic stored on a memory within thewireless communications device converts the readings into a wirelesspower transmission level. If multiple wireless transceivers are present,then the power logic adds the power from all of them to output the totalwireless power transmission level. The wireless power transmission levelis output to an indicator on the wireless communications device where auser can view the indicator. Users with a low battery or who arediscomforted by high power transmission levels can avoid both bychoosing to use the wireless communications device only when the powertransmission level is low.

Furthermore, exemplary embodiments include a true battery life indicatoron the wireless communications device. The true battery life indicatorgives an amount of time a battery powering the wireless communicationsdevice will last at the current wireless power transmission level. Thepower transmission level and the energy remaining on the batterypowering the wireless communications device is input to a true batterylife logic on the memory unit. With this information the true batterylife logic can calculate the amount of time the battery will last at thecurrent power transmission level. Users can determine more accuratelywhether or not to discontinue using the wireless communications devicedepending on how much battery life is left and the time left on thecurrent task.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a wireless communicationsdevice comprising a housing, a wireless transceiver coupled with thehousing, a wireless power transmission detector within the housing andin communication with the wireless transceiver, a wireless powertransmission indicator coupled with the housing and in communicationwith the wireless power transmission detector, and a memory unit withinthe housing and in communication with the wireless power transmissiondetector. The wireless power transmission detector detects a wirelesspower transmission level of the wireless transceiver which is displayedon the wireless power transmission indicator.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a wirelesscommunications device comprising a housing, a wireless transceivercoupled with the housing, a voltmeter within the housing and incommunication with the wireless transceiver, an ammeter within thehousing and in communication with the wireless transceiver, a visualdisplay coupled with the housing and in communication with the voltmeterand the ammeter, a memory unit within the housing and in communicationwith the voltmeter and ammeter, and a power logic on the memory unit.The power logic calculates a wireless power transmission level of thewireless transceiver which is displayed on the visual display.

In a further embodiment, the present invention is a method of displayinga wireless power transmission level on a wireless communications devicehaving a wireless power transmission detector, comprising detecting awireless power transmission level, and displaying the wireless powertransmission level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a front view of a wireless communications device with awireless power transmission indicator, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a view of components of a wireless communications device,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows a wireless communications device with a multi-colorwireless power transmission indicator on the display, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B shows a wireless communications device with a multi-bar wirelesspower transmission indicator on the display, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C shows a wireless communications device with a multi-colorwireless power transmission indicator on the housing, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2D shows a wireless communications device with an analog wirelesspower transmission indicator on the housing, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a calculation and display of a wirelesspower transmission level, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4A shows a timer countdown true-life battery indicator, accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B shows a true-life battery indicator, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a method of a true-life battery indicatoronboard a wireless communications device, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a wireless communications device comprising awireless power transmission detector and a wireless power transmissionindicator for displaying to a user the current level of wireless powertransmission. Exemplary embodiments include a voltmeter and an ammeterwithin the wireless communications device. The voltmeter and ammetertake readings from the wireless transceiver circuit while the wirelesscommunications device is on. A power logic stored on a memory within thewireless communications device converts the readings into a wirelesspower transmission level. If multiple wireless transceivers are presentthen the power logic adds the power from all of them to output the totalwireless power transmission level. The wireless power transmission levelis output to an indicator on the wireless communications device where auser can view it. Users with a low battery or who are discomforted byhigh power transmission levels can avoid them by choosing to use thewireless communications device only when the power transmission level islow.

Furthermore, exemplary embodiments include a true battery life indicatoron the wireless communications device. The true battery life indicatorgives an amount of time a battery powering the wireless communicationsdevice will last at the current wireless power transmission level. Thepower transmission level and the energy remaining on the batterypowering the wireless communications device is input to a true batterylife logic on the memory unit. With this information the true batterylife logic can calculate the amount of time the battery will last at thecurrent power transmission level. Users can determine more accuratelywhether or not to discontinue using the wireless communications devicedepending on how much battery life is left and the time left on thecurrent task.

Definitions

“Wireless communications device,” as used in this disclosure, refers toany device capable of sending or receiving waves to communicate withother devices. Examples of wireless communications devices are cellulartelephones, computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or any otherdevice that utilizes at least one form of wireless communication. Formsof wireless communication include RF, BLUETOOTH, WiFi, etc.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a wireless communications device with a wirelesspower transmission indicator, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1A shows a front view of a wireless communications device 100 witha wireless power transmission indicator 106, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the front ofwireless communications device 100 comprises a housing 104, a display102, a keypad 108, and a wireless power transmission indicator 106. Thehousing 104 is preferably composed of a rigid and durable material, suchas plastic or metal, to hold the components in place and prevent thecomponents from being damaged. The display 102 is coupled to the housing104 and is used to view wireless communications device hundreds outputs.In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the display 102 is aliquid crystal display (LCD). The keypad 108 allows a user to inputnumbers, input letters, select functions, play games, etc. The wirelesspower transmission indicator 106 notifies the user of the wirelesscommunications device 100 of the instant wireless power transmissionlevel of the wireless communications device 100. In the presentembodiment, the wireless power transmission indicator 106 is shown as anicon in a corner of the display 102. Different icon colors may representdifferent power transmission levels. In alternative embodiments, bars ornumbers can be used instead of or as well as colors. The user, oncenotified, may take actions to decrease the wireless power transmissionlevel. This may be accomplished by going outside, moving to a differentroom, etc. By reducing the wireless power transmission level, thewireless communications device 100 utilizes less power and a battery ofwireless communications device lasts longer. Using a lower wirelesspower transmission level may also help to alleviate fears of radiation.

FIG. 1B shows a view of components of a wireless communications device,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the components comprise a memory unit 110, a processor 111,a transceiver module 112, a power source 114, a voltmeter 113, anammeter 115, and a power logic 116 on the memory unit 110. The memoryunit 110 stores an operating system for the wireless communicationsdevice 100. The memory unit 110 additionally stores photos, music,games, telephone settings, telephone numbers, etc. The transceivermodule 112 is utilized to communicate with wireless networks. Thiscommunication may use a cellular Radio Frequency (RF) connection,BLUETOOTH connection, WiFi connection, etc. The processor 111 runs theoperating system of the wireless communications device 100 as well asother features and programs. The power source 114 provides power to eachof the components of the wireless communications device 100. Thevoltmeter 113 measures the electrical potential between two points ofthe transceiver module 112 in order to measure voltage. The ammeter 115measures the current in the circuit of the transceiver module 112. Thepower logic 116 on the memory unit 110 uses the results from the ammeter115 and the voltmeter 113 to measure the wireless power transmissionlevel of the wireless communications device 100. The transmissionvoltage and current are combined into the formula

Power (P)=Current (I)×Voltage (V).

The resulting wireless power transmission level is displayed to theuser.

Exemplary embodiments of the wireless communications device,particularly cellular telephone embodiments, determine the wirelesspower transmission level from commands sent from a nearby cellulartower. Embodiments that receive this command do not require a voltmeteror an ammeter because the power logic can simply read the wireless powertransmission level from the latest command. These embodiments can have avoltmeter and ammeter for more accurate readings, or in case the commandis not clear. These commands only control the wireless powertransmission level of the cellular RF transceiver. Other wirelesstransceivers onboard these wireless communication devices require avoltmeter and an ammeter for wireless power transmission detection.

Other embodiments of the wireless communications device feature multiplewireless transceivers. Multiple voltmeters and ammeters can be used todetermine the total power transmission level of all the wirelesstransceivers of the wireless communications device. Certain wirelesscommunications devices, such as laptop computers, have many wirelesstransceiver modules which may run at the same time. A total powertransmission level is desirable for these embodiments. In someembodiments the power logic may reside on a dedicated memory module toensure there are sufficient resources to detect and indicate thewireless power transmission level. Other wireless communications devicescontain speakers. For embodiments of these devices, an audible alert isgiven once the wireless power transmission indicator hits a specifiedlevel. This specified level is selected by the user within the operatingsystem of a wireless communications device such as the wirelesscommunications device 100. There are many embodiments of the wirelesspower transmission indicator. FIGS. 2A-2D show transmission powerindicators, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows a wireless communications device 200 with a multi-colorwireless power transmission indicator 220 on the display, according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment,each of the colors on the multi-color wireless power transmissionindicator 220 represents a different wireless power transmission level.Green indicates that the wireless communications device 200 istransmitting at a low level, yellow indicates the wirelesscommunications device 200 is transmitting at a moderate level, and redindicates the wireless communications device 200 is transmitting at ahigh level. A multi-color wireless power transmission indicator 220 mayappear anywhere on the display, constantly or at the touch of a button.When using the multi-color wireless power transmission indicator 220, auser looking for a lower wireless power transmission level travels untilthe multi-color wireless power transmission indicator 220 turns green.

FIG. 2B shows a wireless communications device 200 with a multi-barwireless power transmission indicator 222 on a display, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, thenumber of bars represents the wireless power transmission level. One barrepresents a very low wireless power transmission level, while five barsrepresents a high wireless power transmission level. A user trying tominimize the wireless power transmission level travels to find an areawhere the number of bars is at its lowest.

FIG. 2C shows a wireless communications device 200 with a multi-colorwireless power transmission indicator 224 on the housing, according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment,each of the colors on the multi-color wireless power transmissionindicator 224 represents a different wireless power transmission level.Each of the colors of the multi-color wireless power transmissionindicator 224 is a separate LED. Similar embodiments feature a singleLED capable of emitting multiple colors of light. The multi-colorwireless power transmission indicator 224 is located anywhere on thehousing, allowing the user to glance at wireless power transmissionindicator to see the wireless power transmission level at any time.

FIG. 2D shows a wireless communications device 200 with an analogwireless power transmission indicator 226 on the housing, according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, aneedle on the analog wireless power transmission indicator 226 displaysthe wireless power transmission level. This allows the user to glance atthe analog wireless power transmission indicator 226 to see the exactwireless power transmission level. An analog indicator has the advantageof expressing the wireless power transmission level on a continuousscale. Digital embodiments, such as LEDs or bars, give the user one ofthree ranges that the wireless power transmission level is within, yetare not specific about the exact wireless power transmission level.Analog wireless power transmission indicator 226 can be located anywhereon the housing of the wireless communications device 200.

There are many other embodiments of the wireless power transmissionindicator. Most cellular carriers utilize cellular telephones thatoperate on one of fifteen different wireless power transmission levels.An indicator showing exactly which of these fifteen levels the cellulartelephone is operating at is beneficial for a cellular telephone. Adevice which has more than one wireless transceiver, especially thosewith concurrently operating transceivers, may benefit more from ananalog indicator, or a digital indicator with more precision than afifteen-level indicator.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a calculation and display of a wirelesspower transmission level, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, a voltmeter onboard a wirelesscommunications device detects a voltage 330 being used by a transceiver.An ammeter onboard the wireless communications device detects a current331 used by the transceiver. With the detected voltage and current, apower logic unit onboard a memory unit of the wireless communicationsdevice calculates a power 332 being used by the transceiver. The powerlogic unit accomplishes this using the formula:

Power (P)=Current (I)×Voltage (V).

The power from the wireless transceiver is added to a total wirelesspower transmission 333 which includes any other active transceiversonboard the wireless communications device. The method then querieswhether there are any other wireless transceivers 334 onboard thewireless communications device.

If there are more transceivers, the method will cycle back to detect thevoltage and current of each. The total power of each subsequenttransceiver is added together. When no more wireless transceivers aredetected, the total power transmission level is calculated 335 bysumming the wireless power transmission level of each transceiver. Thispower transmission level is displayed 336 on the wireless communicationsdevice for the user to see.

The calculation process runs constantly in the background of theoperating system of a wireless communications device such as thewireless communications device 100 or the wireless communications device200. This gives the user constant updates as to the wireless powertransmission level. This way the user knows that the wireless powertransmission level indicated is a substantially instant reading. Instantreadings give the user the ability to travel short distances and becomeimmediately aware once the wireless power transmission level has loweredto an acceptable level.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate wireless communications devices 400 withtransmission power level indicators and true-life battery indicators,according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4A shows a timer countdown true-life battery indicator 440,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, a transmission power level indicator 422 and a timercountdown true-life battery indicator 440 are both located on a displayof the wireless communications device 400. The transmission power levelindicator 422 shows the wireless power transmission level currentlybeing utilized by wireless communications device 400. This leveldirectly affects the life of the battery of the wireless communicationsdevice 400. The amount of time that this wireless power transmissionlevel can be sustained by the wireless communications device 400 isshown by the timer countdown true-life battery indicator 440. The powerlogic, which also calculates the wireless power transmission level,reads the amount of energy left in the battery and calculates a timethat the battery can last at the current power transmission level usingthe formula:

Time (t)=Energy (e)/Power (P).

In this embodiment, the true-life battery indicator is shown as acountdown clock. The clock counts down the amount of time left beforethe transmission is dropped due to insufficient battery.

FIG. 4B shows a true-life battery indicator 442, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, thetrue-life battery indicator 442 is a graphical depiction of remainingbattery time. A fully shaded rectangle represents a longer length oftime than a rectangle with only a small shaded portion. The rectanglecan be set to represent any period of time, with intervals setaccordingly. The true-life battery indicator 442, like the transmissionpower level indicator 422, can take many forms.

Some wireless communications devices are programmed to save everythingand power down before a complete loss of battery happens. For thesedevices the true-life battery indicator displays the amount of time leftuntil the device hits a critical battery level where the device willstart to save and power down. Other devices simply turn off all wirelesstransceivers once the battery hits a critical level so that the user canstretch the remaining battery to power other functions of the device.This is particularly useful for PDAs since they also serve as calendars,address books, and store other useful information. The true-life batteryindicator displays the amount of time left until critical batterycapacity on these devices as well. Other wireless communications devicescontain speakers. For embodiments of these devices, an audible alert isgiven once the true-life battery indicator hits a specified timeremaining This specified time remaining is selected by the user withinthe operating system of the wireless communications device 400.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a method of a true-life battery indicatoronboard a wireless communications device, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the methodfirst detects the wireless power transmission level 550. This isaccomplished by using an ammeter and voltmeter onboard the wirelesscommunications device along with a power logic on the memory unit tomake calculations. The power logic then reads the amount of energy leftin the battery 552 of the wireless communications device. With these twovalues, the power logic calculates the amount of time the battery willlast 554 under the wireless power transmission level currently beingused by the wireless communications device. With the amount of timecalculated, the wireless communications device displays the battery timeremaining 556 to the user. This lets the user know how long he cancontinue the transmission. The user decides if he can complete the taskwithin the amount of time, and, if not, allows the user to seek alocation yielding a lower wireless power transmission level. Thewireless communications device repeats the method to frequently updatethe battery time remaining

The foregoing disclosure of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations andmodifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. Thescope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appendedhereto, and by their equivalents.

Further, in describing representative embodiments of the presentinvention, the specification may have presented the method and/orprocess of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps.However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on theparticular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process shouldnot be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one ofordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps maybe possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth inthe specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims.In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of thepresent invention should not be limited to the performance of theirsteps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readilyappreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

We claim:
 1. A device comprising: a processor; and a memory that storescomputer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor,cause the processor to perform operations comprising: calculating, basedupon a voltage reading obtained using a voltmeter and a current readingobtained using an ammeter, a power transmission level of the device,determining an amount of energy remaining in a battery associated withthe device, calculating, based upon the power transmission level and theamount of energy remaining in the battery, an amount of time the batterywill last, and displaying the amount of time at a display associatedwith the device.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the amount of timethe battery will last comprises an amount of time the power transmissionlevel can be sustained by the device until the battery reaches acritical battery level.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the currentreading and the voltage reading are measured for a circuit comprising awireless transceiver associated with the device.
 4. The device of claim3, wherein the amount of time the battery will last comprises an amountof time the power transmission level can be sustained by the deviceuntil the wireless transceiver of the device is deactivated.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the computer-executable instructions, whenexecuted by the processor, cause the processor to perform operationsfurther comprising: providing an audible alert via a speaker if thepower transmission level reaches a maximum power transmission level. 6.A method comprising: obtaining, at a wireless communications devicecomprising a processor, a voltage reading using a voltmeter of thewireless communications device and a current reading using an ammeter ofthe wireless communications device; calculating, by the processor, apower transmission level of the wireless communications device basedupon the voltage reading and the current reading; determining, by theprocessor, an amount of energy remaining in a battery associated withthe wireless communications device; calculating, by the processor andbased upon the power transmission level and the amount of energyremaining in the battery, an amount of time the battery will last; anddisplaying, by the processor, the amount of time at a display associatedwith the wireless communications device.
 7. The method of claim 6,further comprising: providing, using a speaker of the wirelesscommunications device, an audible alert if the power transmission levelreaches a maximum power transmission level.
 8. The method of claim 6,wherein the current reading and the voltage reading are measured for acircuit comprising a wireless transceiver associated with the wirelesscommunications device.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the amount oftime the battery will last comprises an amount of time the powertransmission level can be sustained by the wireless communicationsdevice until the wireless transceiver of the wireless communicationsdevice is deactivated.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the currentreading comprises a first current reading associated with a firstwireless transceiver and a second current reading associated with asecond wireless transceiver, and wherein the voltage reading comprises afirst voltage reading associated with the first wireless transceiver anda second voltage reading associated with the second wirelesstransceiver.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first wirelesstransceiver comprises a cellular radiofrequency transceiver, and whereinthe second wireless transceiver comprises a short range wirelesstransceiver.
 12. The method of claim 6, wherein the amount of time thebattery will last comprises an amount of time the power transmissionlevel can be sustained by the wireless communications device until thebattery reaches a critical battery level.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the critical battery level comprises a level at which thewireless communications device will save data and power down.
 14. Adevice comprising: a processor; and a memory that storescomputer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor,cause the processor to perform operations comprising: obtaining, using avoltmeter and an ammeter, a voltage reading and a current reading,wherein the voltage reading and the current reading are associated witha module of the device, calculating, based upon the voltage reading andthe current reading, a power level associated with the device,determining an amount of energy remaining in a battery associated withthe device, calculating, based upon the power level and the amount ofenergy remaining in the battery, an amount of time the battery willlast, and displaying the amount of time at a display associated with thedevice.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the amount of time thebattery will last comprises an amount of time the power level can besustained until the battery reaches a critical battery level.
 16. Thedevice of claim 14, wherein the module comprises a wireless transceivermodule.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the amount of time thebattery will last comprises an amount of time the power level can besustained until the wireless transceiver module will be deactivated. 18.The device of claim 14, wherein the computer-executable instructions,when executed by the processor, cause the processor to performoperations further comprising: providing an audible alert via a speakerif the power level reaches a maximum power level.
 19. The device ofclaim 14, wherein displaying the amount of time comprises displaying anicon that represents the amount of time.
 20. The device of claim 14,wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by theprocessor, cause the processor to perform operations further comprising:displaying, on the display, an icon that represents the power level.